Popcorn

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon of vegetable oil

100g popcorn kernels

Flavouring (see variations below)

Method (saucepan):

Heat a large saucepan to medium-high temperature.

Add vegetable oil.

Add kernels to the hot saucepan, gently shaking the pan back and forth to ensure even coverage at the bottom of the pan. Cover with a lid and take off heat (to gently allow the kernels to heat up evenly).

After 30 seconds, move the saucepan back on to the heat.

As the popcorn pops, gently shake the pan back and forth while still on the heat.

When popping slows, remove from heat and place immediately into a large mixing bowl to add flavouring.

Add the flavouring while the popcorn is still hot and serve plain in paper bags or allow to cool before storing in zip lock plastic bags.

Method (microwave):

Place popcorn and oil in a large microwave proof bowl and cover with a microwave proof cover or plate.

Cook on high for approximately 5 minutes or until popping slows.

Add the flavouring while the popcorn is still hot and serve plain in paper bags or allow to cool before storing in zip lock plastic bags.

Tips:

Using the saucepan method, and letting the kernels come to an even temperature before popping, helps to reduce the number of un-popped kernels.